Mrs. ChristenMrs. ShortMs. RodgersMrs. LeaAnnMrs. Sydney
EARLY CHILDHOOD
The PreSchool class is taught by Mrs. Kourtney Short, who is a certified teacher with six years of classroom experience. This class is for children ages 3 and up. Students in this class will learn social skills and the routines of school. Classroom instruction is play based and exploratory.
The PreKindergarten class is taught by Mrs. Connie Christen, who is retired from 40+ years of teaching kindergarten. This class is for children ages 4 and up. Students in this class will master the skills necessary to be ready for kindergarten. Classroom instruction is balanced with structured, direct instruction, and exploration.
Mrs. LeaAnn Broderick, Mrs. Sydney Rakoski, and Ms. Genine Rodgers are our Early Childhood aids. Students in the Early Childhood program meet on Tuesday and Thursday for a full day. A half-day (morning) option is available.
Mrs. Flattem
KINDERGARTEN
Mrs. Kendra Flattem is originally from Exeter, MO. She lives with her husband, Matt, on the Holle Family Farm in Freistatt with their 12 year old black lab. They enjoy worshiping here at Trinity. Prior to accepting the kindergarten teaching position, Mrs. Flattem served as the director and lead teacher at Monett Head Start for 10+ years.
Mrs. Choate
FIRST GRADE
Mrs. Lauren Choate is originally from Eureka, Missouri, where she was born and raised. She went to Southwest Baptist University for her Bachelors and Concordia University in Nebraska for her Masters. She has lived in England, North Dakota, and Las Vegas, thanks to Mr. Choate’s time in the Air Force! Together they have three children, two boys and a girl. She is looking forward to the upcoming year and experiencing life at Trinity!
Mrs. Knight
SECOND GRADE
Mrs. Holly Knight is the veteran teacher of our full time staff, serving at Trinity since 2002. Mrs. Knight is a graduate of MSSU in Joplin, MO. She is active in the school and at her church home, Arnhart Baptist in Purdy, MO. In her free time, Mrs. Knight enjoys spending time with her family and working with her flowers and birdwatching.
Mrs. Wormington
THIRD GRADE
Mrs. Dana Wormington is from Altamont, Illinois and is a graduate of Southern Illinois University with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. She joined the TLS family in 2009. One of her favorite parts of working at Trinity is being able to work closely with our families to meet the individual needs of each student. Outside of school, Mrs. Wormington enjoys spending time with her husband, two daughters, and pets, working on the house, and going for walks. She is thankful to spend her day doing what she loves in a Christ-centered setting, where we can pray together, teach forgiveness, and grow in our faith.
Ms. Jelinek
FOURTH GRADE
Ms. Shanna Jelinek is a life-long Freistatt resident and a 1991 graduate of Trinity. This is her 15th year teaching, with all her years of experience at Trinity. She is active in the church where she sings in the choir, plays bells, and helps run the sound for church. She also broadcasts our school's chapel services. She enjoys baking, classic movies, and traveling. She loves that Trinity is her home and everyone is family.
Mrs. Ingle
Middle School Math & Science
Mrs. Celia Ingle is our 7th/8th grade homeroom teacher. She teaches all of our middle school math and science subjects. Mrs. Ingle is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Educational Technology. Outside of school, Mrs. Ingle enjoys serving in her church and spending time with her family.
Mrs. Culp
Middle School ELA & Social Studies
Mrs. Kim Culp has 30+ years of teaching experience spanning various grades. She has served as a classroom teacher, special education teacher, and special services director. Mrs. Culp joined the Trinity team in 2022, after a long career in public education. She is currently the 5th/6th grade homeroom teacher and instructs middle school reading, writing, and social studies. Mrs. Culp enjoys coordinating the children's ministry in her church.
Mrs. Audrey & Mrs. Jessie
MAINTENANCE & CUSTODIAL SERVICES
Mrs. Audrey Wormington and Mrs. Jessie Rupp keep our school clean and safe. Audrey joined our team in 2020 and attends St. John's Lutheran Church in Purdy. Jessie came to Trinity in early 2023. Both Audrey and Jessie have children enrolled at TLS and they are a vital part of our team!
Mrs. Connie & Ms. Layna
CAFETERIA
Mrs. Connie Essary & Ms. Layna Essary plan healthy, kid-friendly meals and serve with a smile! They are our dynamic mother-daughter duo. Layna's children (Connie's grandchildren!) attend school at Trinity.
Ms. Layna & Mrs. Kaylynn
SCHOOL CARE
Ms. Layna Essary and Mrs. Kaylynn Hendry supervise our before and after school care program. They plan age appropriate activities and keep our kids learning in a safe environment outside of the school day. Ms. Layna and Mrs. Kaylynn are both members at Trinity Lutheran Church.
Mrs. Emily & Mrs. Mallory
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS
Mrs. Emily and Mrs. Mallory take care of all of our office needs. They are the sweet voice on the other end of the phone calls to the office and they give first aid with a hug and a smile. They keep our school running like a well-oiled machine!
Mrs. Moennig
PRINCIPAL
Mrs. Amanda Moennig became Trinity's principal in 2015. Before becoming a principal, she enjoyed 10+ years teaching music to both grade school and high school students. Mrs. Moennig loves working with the families at Trinity and she feels honored to serve the Lord at this special place! Mrs. Moennig and her husband, Christopher, are Trinity members. Together they enjoy playing board games and spending time with their cat, Rosie.
Pastor Sletten
CONFIRMATION
Pastor Jake leads the confirmation class for 7th & 8th grade students and teaches religion for 5th & 6th grade. He also serves as the Pastor for our school and church families at Trinity.
Support Staff...
Elementary Classroom Aids: Ms. Genine Rodgers, Mrs. Kaylynn Hendry
School Board: Mr. Dale Haworth (President), Mr. Matt Smith (VP), Mr. Nick Broderick (Secretary), Mrs. Jeanell Stockton, Mrs. Tracy Rhea